Yes, that includes Game Boy Color
Well, it happened — Game Boy games are finally on the Nintendo Switch Online service. This is another one of those rumours that we've been hearing about for a good while now, and in february 2023, Nintendo just snapped its fingers and popped seven rather lovely classics onto NSO just like that.
Originally, the lovely people here at NL Towers got together in September 2021 to come up with some dream titles that we'd like to see on Game Boy NSO. Dream was the key, and we got a bit creative with some of our choices, and only one of them ended up being right — Link's Awakening.
Other titles that have joined Link's adventure on Koholint Island are Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, Metroid II: Return of Samus, Tetris, and — one of the most interesting choices — Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare. We also know that both Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages are also coming in the future, along with the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble.
All the GB and GBC games, ranked by you
So, given the recent news, we've given this a good old tidy-up and added some other games to the list that we think also deserve to make the jump. We did the same with our dream Game Boy Advance games, too. You can take it as read that we want those, but below you'll find some smaller, more personal picks (along with a few obvious favourites we just couldn't resist).
So, sit back and get an insight into quite a few childhoods as we share some of our team's hopes and dreams for Game Boy / Color on Nintendo Switch Online.
Staff key: Gavin Lane (GL), Kate Gray (KG), PJ O'Reilly (PR), Alex Olney (AO), Ollie Reynolds (OR), Stuart Gipp (SG), Austin Voigt (AV), Alana Hagues (AH)
It’s odd to have to list this one. We didn’t originally feature it as we naively assumed the first handheld Super Mario game would arrive with the first wave of GB NSO releases. From a certain point of view, I can understand why Nintendo might pick 6 Golden Coins over its predecessor, at least to begin with if you’re hoping to entice younger Switch owners with the Game Boy library. Super Mario Land is an outlier in the canon, with quirks and atypical elements that make it feel like a fever-dream demake.
But that’s what I love about it. It’s a tiny, totally unique Mario game crafted by a different team to the others, with series-best tunes from Hirokazu ‘Hip’ Tanaka and a defiant, irreverent spirit. It’s a little jewel and an essential addition to the NSO library. GL
Tomb Raider for the Game Boy Color was — and still is — a surprisingly fun spin-off to the main series. Its gameplay reminded me of the earlier Flashback (which I'd previously owned on the Mega Drive), with side-scrolling action mixed with light puzzle solving. The graphics hold up incredibly well, with reasonably realistic animation and detailed environments, and it'll last you a small handful of hours. Just don't expect to come across any memorable tunes, because there isn't any music at all during gameplay! OR
Mole Mania is one of those gems that seems way too obvious to be called ‘hidden’ if you were smart (or old) enough to play it when it released, but it’s undeniably one of Shigeru Miyamoto’s lesser-known joints, and even though it saw re-release via 3DS Virtual console, it would be fantastic to see the Switch audience given the opportunity to sample its delightful top-down 2D puzzling via NSO. I’ve only got the Japanese GB version (these days a NA or EU copy is a spicy meatball, price-wise), so I’d love the chance to play in English, too. GL
Solar Striker is a first-party vertical scrolling shmup (a rare beast indeed) and probably my favourite game in the genre. Admittedly, there are members of Team NL that would laugh – if not scoff – at the idea of this simple little space shooter being my favourite shmup ever, but its simplicity is exactly what draws me to it. The pixel-perfect dexterity demanded by more complex examples of the genre are generally too stressful for my tastes. I prefer something a little more sedate, with some kick ass tunes to zone out to. Bullet hell? Nah, for me this is bullet heaven. GL
Handheld Mario sports games were the bomb in the '90s and 2000s, and the Game Boy Mario Golf from Camelot is where it all started. In fact, this isn't really about the plumber and his friends at all — there's a total of eight playable humans and only three Mario characters. This is a story-heavy adventure where you can freely move your character around an overworld and rounds of golf take the place of traditional RPG battles. Golf is turn-based, right?
It may not mirror the scope or ambition of Dragon Quest or Pokémon, but Mario Golf certainly stand out as is a classic that's hard to put down. AH
My greatest wish (that I have previously written about) is for the Harry Potter games, Philosopher's Stone and Chamber of Secrets — EA had a great time in the GB era, didn't they? The HP games on Game Boy are Chrono Trigger-style RPGs that are surprisingly good for movie/book tie-ins. I don't know how licensing works for old games, but I know I'm not the only one that loved these hidden-ish gems. KG
Resident Evil Gaiden is undoubtedly the black sheep of the family, meeting mediocre reception when it launched back in 2001 thanks to its deviation from the established formula. For me though, I was already knee deep in the franchise at this point, and the idea of playing a new entry on the go with Leon Kennedy and Barry Burton as its protagonists was just too tempting! The gameplay hasn't aged well, and the game is not considered 'canon' in the larger narrative, but if you're looking to experience all Resident Evil has to offer, then it's well worth a look. OR
Known as Metal Gear: Ghost Babel in Japan, Metal Gear Solid isn't a squashed-down version of the 1998 PS1 classic, but instead an alternative continuity for the original Metal Gear. And it's a special little title. It's incredible just how faithful this 8-bit portable Metal Gear Solid is to both the 2D games of the MSX/NES and the later polygonal PlayStation entries in terms of gameplay, tone and aesthetic. Lengthy, challenging and rewarding, MGS GBC is far and away one of the best carts you can buy for your Game Boy Color. How it's never been rereleased before is baffling, and I hope that Konami's generosity with its back catalogue might stretch to a GBC NSO version of Ghost Babel. AH
It’s this writer’s view that Game Boy was at its best when titles opted to work with the system’s limitations rather than push them to their, well, limit. Bill & Ted joins the likes of the original Super Mario Land and Sunsoft’s Batman in presenting a pared-down but exceptionally playable game, this one being a take on the ZX Spectrum classic Manic Miner. Collect every item on the screen then leave through the phone booth. Slick, speedy movement and spot-on controls make this a treat. Most triumphant! Obviously. SG
Why have one Mario sports game when you can have two? As bizarre as Camelot's sports titles are, Mario Tennis is also just pretty darn excellent. Like Golf, Tennis takes the sporting world by storm by turning the game into a fully-fledged RPG with a story where you have to unlock Mario. It's a super fun narrative too, and while it may not have swords, magic or random encounters, each Tennis match is tied together in a charming overworld that feels like it's ripped straight out of a traditional RPG. Just imagine rounds of Tennis replacing battles and it becomes much clearer why many consider these more than simple sports games. The chance to revisit this on GB NSO is irresistable — go on, Nintendo. You're giving us Golden Sun, after all? AH
Love the shoutout for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone; it and Chamber of Secrets are underrated GBC gems IMO, back from when before EA took over development and only handled publishing. All the Pokemon games from the first two generations are worthy, as well as Pokemon TCG. All of the Super Mario Land entries as well as the Wario Land titles too.
While it's technically covered in Collection of Mana, it would also be neat if Final Fantasy Adventure was an option from Square Enix.
I'd definitely like to check out Resident Evil Gaiden out of morbid curiosity.
Donkey Kong Land 2 Super Mario Land 2:Six Golden Coins Survival Kids Link's Awakening Oracle of Ages Oracle of Seasons Wario Land
Most of my picks are pretty obvious, but Survival Kids is such a hidden gem. Wario Land is the game I'm most eager to replay. I played through it several dozen times as a kid, but it's been quite a while. I love how some levels actually change when you go back to them later in the game.
I recently played a single character challenge of Final Fantasy Legend which is honestly pretty good. It’s already got a Switch port though!
Think my pick would go to the Harvest Moon GB and GBC games. Pretty good for the time.
With R/B/Y & G/S/C on the eShop already, let’s just get them on Switch already.
Solid list! But you forgot Metal Gear Solid! Buying that cart (and Mega Man V) will cost you a pretty (or ugly, depending on how you look at it) penny.
Did you just make a list and not include the best Gameboy color game of all time Metal Gear Solid!? What!? Lol.
I would also rather have links awakening DX instead of the game boy version.
@ChromaticDracula Metal Gear Solid is an amazing game. Would be awesome if it come to switch thru GBC app.
If we're talking GBC, then upgrade Link's Awakening to the DX version and throw in Oracle of Ages and Seasons. Those three games are some of the only games that were portable versions of pre-existing series that didn't feel mangled to work on GB/C, to be honest.
It’s this writer’s view that Game Boy was at its best when titles opted to work with the system’s limitations rather than push them to their, well, limit.
All thise games that try to be snes games are less interesting than you think…
Things like bill and tedd.. bubble ghost and chicken mania.. that are true gameboy games!
Link's Awakening DX (GBC) is the best-looking version of Link's Awakening. All three versions play well, so the GBC version is the one to play.
Mario Tennis was excellent for its time. RPG and story elements
Any of the Dragon Warrior/Quest titles would be fantastic.
here's some games we won't see:
any licensed titles (which includes Harry Potter, thankfully), GB Mega Man, anything from Squaresoft/SquareEnix, anything from Konami, anything from Atlus, any special cartridge titles (rumble, motion control, etc), mainline Pokemon games... the list goes on.
So you're really doing this? Okay...
I’m with PJ on Link’s Awakening. I eventually came around to the remake but the gameboy version is my second most loved/replayed Zelda game after the very first.
I’d also be up for Qix.
The only games I NEED to play is Zelda Oracles of Seasons and Ages. I'm "curious" about Metroid II and Link's Awakening (although I finished both remakes). I'm not interested in anything else from GB/GBC
Croc was a better 2D platformer than a 3D one!
I want The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls. The service would be worth it just for the official English translation. Give me Wario too!
Nintendo World Cup Dynablaster (Bomberman/Atomic Punk)
It’s great to see Bill & Ted getting some love, it sometimes feels like I’m the only one who remembers how great that little game was.
The rumour mill is really grinding away on this site. If it even pans out to be true, there's gonna be some real disappointed people when the games aren't all the big ones people want. Forget most of the 3rd party (especially something with collection potential; re: Mega Man), anything licensed, anything that's has potential remake or re-release potential (Pokemon).
The NES and SNES Online are all but abandoned. Nintendo has all but outright said they don't care about it (they did in a runabout way when they said they weren't doing regular releases for it anymore), and once they get a few gems on them, they're mostly just garbage no one would ever pay for to begin with. So why does anyone think a Game Boy addition would be treated like some carefully curated tribute to the best of the best Game Boy had to offer? We'll get a couple good ones and a bunch of crap tossed in with them.
Surprise! You're getting the game boy port of spankeys quest
My 'hidden' gem would be Snoopy's Magic Show. It was the first game of it's type I ever played and I got pretty far on it, which I was pleased with being a wee 8yr old
You guys are really milking this rumor.
my picks would be Zelda Oracle of Ages and Seasons
I hope for classic Pokémon titles on Switch online and then Pokémon Home integration
Why wasn’t perfect dark mentioned??
Good picks everyone. I’ll throw in Sword of Hope 1 & 2. And the GBC version of Shadowgate. Obviously I’d like many more. BUT. Game Boy support is a rumor until we get slapped with that surprise Direct out of the blue.
You know that the first games we’re getting are Alleyway, Tennis and Baseball.
Honestly I think Nintendo is seriously wasting a good opportunity with the Online service. Most of the NES and SNES titles have been unheard of games are have been kind of meh, with a few exceptions. Adding GB, GBA, N64, GC games would seriously ramp up the value. I seriously doubt there is any reason why they cant do this other than..they just cant be bothered.
I feel like I may be the outsider in this one, but I'm not really looking forward to this, at all. I'd rather wait and start getting those Gameboy Advance games rolling. ♡♡♡
Have to admit, Harry Potter and the Philosophercerer's stone would be pretty cool for the service
Though already part of the Castlevania Anniversary Collection, Castlevania II: Belmont’s Revenge. Also, maybe Revenge of the Gator.
@sketchturner I would LOVE to replay the oracle games
@Matroska But the non DX Version has a Bikini!
I wanna see Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble working with Joy-Cons.
In terms of first-party titles, I'm hoping for Radar Mission, Wave Race, the Mario/Wario Land games, and obviously Tetris. Third party... I'll take what I can get, but my expectations are low.
I think the only thing blocking the Harry Potter games is that Warner Bros. has their own publishing house now, with Harry Potter being included under that. EA has blocked other license holders (Middle-Earth's games) from re-releasing and repackaging titles developed under them.
Pokemon TCG would be pretty good. Too bad they never bothered making more card game RPGs for the Pokemon series after the Gameboy.
@Dr_Lugae I'd actually see Pokemon TCG and Pokemon Pinball as more likely than the actual Pokemon RPGs for various reasons.
Honestly as well the people assuming that we'll never see top tier titles from Konami and Capcom might also be surprised. Capcom did nod Demons Crest (a sequel to Gargoles Quest, a prominent GB title) even though it's regarded highly and has a reputation as an expensive SNES game to buy. I tend to think that they'd have released the GB Mega Man games in a compilation already if they thought it would actually sell.
@earthinheritor I think cost is a factor. Since Nintendo will have to pay third parties and third parties would have to agree to the price.
I'd Imagine companies like Square will be a lot less willing to license big names like Final Fantasy. But stuff like Spanky's Quest or Claymates were never going to sell in 2021 so those companies are probably happy with whatever Nintendo is paying to host these games.
For the love of all that is holy PLEASE give me Skate or Die Tour De Thrash!!!!
I loved the GB version of Parodius and Donkey kong 94!
@Dr_Lugae SE I get because they have the pixel remasters on PC and mobile now. Some franchises like that wouldnt make sense. but there are a lot of dead franchises.
To be honest, this is why I strongly dislike when Nintendo attacks the ROM sites. The majority of games are just impossible to play any other way now other than whats on the online service. It doesn't hurt Nintendo financially one little bit. So its just being petty.
There's 1757 games with 717 in NA and Switch online has less than 50. So forcing ROM sites with NES and SNES games to close is just Nintendo being petty. It cost them more in legal documents to force them to shut down.
You added Monster Max! I’ve been championing this game for a long, long time. My work here is done.
Yoshi's cookie Marioland 2 Kung fu master Tmnt Navy seals
alright a game by RARE, monster max. do not know if i played it before and that tomb raider game would be good. i suppose nearly any game from GB, GBC or GBA would be brilliant anyway . so i just hope the rumor is true. ?
impossible expectations that will never appear: Mega Man I-V, Castlevania Adventure 1-2, Ducktails 1-2, Link's Awakening, Pokemon, Final Fantasy Legend & Adventure, Tetris, TMNT 1-3, Tiny Toons, Killer Instinct, Star Trek The Next Generation
Reasonable Expectations that we still probably wont get: Mario Land 1-3, Wario Land II, Wario Blast, Kirby's Adventure 1-2, Kirby Pinball, Metroid II, Donkey Kong '94, Donkey Kong Land 1-3, Gargoyles Quest, Mario's Picross, Kid Icarus, Blaster Master Jr, Kid Dracula, Ninja Gaiden Shadow
What we will most likely get: Spankey's Quest, Golf, Tennis, baseball, game & watch gallery, Street Fighter II, Joe & Mac, 4-in-1 funpack 1-2, Alleyway, Balloon Kid, Bubsy II, Castlevania Legends, Chuck Rock, Double Dragon 1-3, Infogenius Organizer and Translator kits, Prehistorik Man, Solitaire Funpack, Yoshi
Alleyway and Metal Gear Solid please!
I’m going to say it straight resident evil Gaiden is a terrible game even at the time of release it was considered awful.
However to contribute towards this discussion in a more positive way I would love to see James Bond 007 on the switch, so underrated and one of my favourite GameBoy games ever.
I wanna see Conker's Pocket Tales, Battletoads GB and Perfect Dark GBC just to see this series on Nintendo Consoles again...
I would absolutely love to play Metroid II again. Extremely fond of that game back in the day. That’s all I need Nintendo thanks.
Maybe pick up a 3DS to play these games?
I’m so happy to see Monster Max here
lol these kinds of "articles" are so dumb. All they are are glorified "best of" lists...Like, is this list any different than a list for "the best gb games for 3ds"? lmao...
Wario Land! I'll happily play it again. I've played that game countless times and I never get tired of it.
For me, the one I hope for is Tetris.
It is a big reason I got the original Game Boy. (That and the fact I didn't have a TV at college, so nothing to hook up a console to.)
Our college had a Tetris arcade machine in the bar. Me and my friends had a lot of fun playing it.
When I got the Game Boy, it came with Tetris.
I'd bring it on trips we'd take . . . and everyone was fighting for their turn to play it on the long car rides. LOL.
But . . . I'm not holding my breath for Tetris on NSO. Probably not going to happen.
Mega Man V please. I don’t care about the other four. Super Mario land 2, Tetris 2, every Legend of Zelda, Balloon Kid and I really want to try The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls.
Weird to see people ask for something you can get from Anbernic but not Nintendo ?
I never played Oracle of Seasons or Ages, so I want them, and I very much want to replay DK ‘94.
Yoshi Cookie Donkey Kong (not Country) The King of Fighters Fatal Fury Yuyu Hakusho Darkwing Duck Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (all for GameBoy) Pokemon Trading Card
I must agree wholeheartedly with Austin, Hamtaro: Ham Ham's Unite is unabashedly my favorite GBC game of all time. Always wished Nintendo hadn't abandoned the series, those 3 games (Ham Ham's Unite and GBA follow-ups Ham Ham Heartbreak and especially Rainbow Rescue) were excellent adventure games full of interesting puzzles and zero combat. The last 2 games being mini-game collections and boring edutainment titles is really a sad end to one of my favorite handheld game series'.
I was hooked on the GB version of Battletoads. Also second the call for the Zelda Oracle series and MGS Ghost Babel. Love the inclusion of Bill & Ted on here too.
Let's be real, we'll get the games launched with the game boy along with the marios/zeldas and pokemons but Tomb Raider / Resident Evil aren't happening. Then they'll drip feed us the ***** Japanese games like they have done with SNES online.
My prediction is; Alleyway Tetris Baseball Super Mario Land Tennis Golf Zelda - links Awakening Pokemon Red / Blue Metroid 2 Nintendo World Cup Balloon Kid SolarStrike Gargoyles Quest
Honestly, they should use this opportunity to offer us Warlocked on Game Boy Color, it’s a really good strategy game and a forgotten footnote in Nintendo’s history sadly. Or even Metal Gear Solid : Ghost Babel also on GBC would be nice
W&W: Fortress of Fear would be awesome. Why is this game so underrated? The jumping and collision is bad but the soundtrack... love.
And TMNT fall of the foot clan.
I find your lack of Ninja Gaiden Shadow, Final Fantasy Adventure, Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge, and Gargoyle's Quest disturbing.
Solar Striker is a great game. It's always fun to play it for a few minutes. The Bill and Ted's game sounds interesting. Oh, I'd like to have Warlocked on Switch. I've never played through it, but it is a fun strategy gameboy color game.
I’d love to see the two dragon warrior monsters games, the Pokémon trading card game, all of the traditional Pokémon entries and the Pokémon pinball game.
Super Mario Land was incredible. So beautiful!!! Amazing music have the game!!!!!
How about Shadowgate Classic as well as Deja Vu I & II.
How have I never heard of Monster Max? Another great one by Rare, it seems. Perfecters of 8bit isometric bliss.
Donkey kong is a superb game expands on the arcade in every way possible would love to see super rc pro am the original double dragon and Kirby’s pinball land
No love for the original Shantae?
Give me Pokemon RBY and GSC with Pokemon Home compatibility or give me DEATH!!! All kidding aside those are on my wish list along with the ones already mentioned in the article.
@Sinton isn't that one already on the eShop? Not sure if Wayforward would want to give it away for free on the basic Switch Online plan.
Legend of the River King for me, enjoyed a number of lazy afternoons playing that.
Trax, anyone? It was a pretty short top down game by HAL, where you play as a tank, avoiding bullets, other tanks and stuff, and it had a few powerups too. It had a fantastic soundtrack in my opinion, but it also had a few slowdowns during gameplay. Still, I'd love if they added it. I think it was the first game I've ever beaten too.
I'm still shocked DK94 isn't in the launch lineup. It's such an iconic gameboy platformer. Probably the best one on the original console.
I would love to see Super GameBoy Support. I would also love to see Donkey Kong '94, Dragon Quest GB/GBC games, Dr. Mario, and Super Mario Bros. DX (because it was such a weird experience).
Give us Faceball, you cowards!
I assume Pokemon main games will be announced in Pokemon Day
Survival Kids and Wario Land!
Ass Radar Mission and Revenge of the Gator
Mole Mania is an absolute must. What a wonderfully charming (and addictive) game!
Nice selection, but realistically I don't think we will get licensed games like Harry Potter on the service. But yes to Super Mario Land, Donkey Kong GB and the Pokemon games. They are all no-brainers!
Mario Tennis is such a treat, an unforgettable experience and I don't even know how to hold a racket
My wishlist: Mario’s Picross Trip World Donkey Kong Donkey Kong Land Kirby’s Dream Land 2 Monster Max Mole Mania Ninja Taro Roland’s Curse 2 ZAS James Bond 007 For the Frog the Bell Tolls Chalvo 55 Krusty’s Fun House Gargoyle’s Quest 2 Great Greed Pokémon Crystal Survival Kids Wario Land Wario Land 2 Alice in Wonderland Little Magic Mario Golf Mario Tennis Metal Gear Solid Warlocked Wendy: Every Witch Way
Mad props to Kate for putting in the GBC Harry Potter games. I only ever got to play the first one, but being a super simple yet engrossing RPG made it a treat to own and play. I'd like the chance to play the second one, but I suppose there are OTHER ways to play it...
My pick that's not listed: Lufia The Legend Returns.
Won't happen but as a big Yugioh fan i would love to see Yugioh The Scared Cards added, while it played very loosely with the actual card game rules it did nicely adapt the Battle City arc of the show and in its easily the best Yugioh game on the GBA in my opinion.
All Mario, Wario and DK games are a must. Not sure why they skipped the sequential order of these, it feels like a missed opportunity to watch how games evolved during that era, especially for people who didn’t grow up in this generation of games.
And also, Solar Striker! I’m so glad it was on the list… I had completely forgotten about that game, but I had it when I was a kid. Definitely a fun one!
Not going to happen, but the GBC versions of Dragon Warrior 1-3 are way better than the mobile versions of DQ1-3 we have on Switch.
@Sinton I believe it’s currently on the e-shop already (so it’s better since you don’t need a subscription!)
@MikeJones I can attest it’s a true gem. One of the best soundtracks ever
Wow, I didn't see any mentions of Motocross Maniacs. Its basically Excitebike GB.
Uh... people of the comments section... I'm pretty sure they showed Pokemon TCG, Oracle of Ages and Seasons as upcoming GBC titles
Same for Metroid Fusion and Fire Emblem 7 for GBA
Pokemon Crystal, Mario Tennis and Warioland 1
@Bobb this is because this article was originally from 2021 and most comments are really old
I have 4 Game Boy games; Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare (the novelty Game Boy Color game that for some reason ended up in the NSO's Game Boy library).
Then I have 3 OG Game Boy games that I've bought after I got myself a Game Boy Advance 5 years ago (and after doing a very thorough research that is)
These 3 are Gradius: Interstellar Assault, Batman: Return of the Joker and Batman: Forever. These are all great games imo (although I haven't gotten time to really "dig" into them yet)
Resident Evil Gaiden is near unplayable
Resident Evil Gaiden is one I'd love to try out! Same with Metal Gear Solid.
Also, it's worth noting that the Game Boy Bill & Ted game is coming to Switch at some point via Limited Run Games. It's going to be in a collection alongside the NES game. I've heard... not great things about them, but if the GB entry got a shout-out here, maybe I'll give it a try when it comes to the eShop...
@cmbaum Oops! My bad! ? Thank you for pointing that out
Love that Tezuka GBC in the article’s main pic.
Add Boggle and Scrabble to this list! I still play those on my game boy but it would be awesome to have them on the larger screen!
Definitely right about Monster Max. It's basically Jon Ritman working for Ultimate! It was a Spectrum dream team! It was awesome, but I never finished it. It had a password based save system as I recall, so an NSO version with save states would be great. I've always been toying to get an Analogue pocket primarily for games just like Monster Max and Kirby's Tilt and Tumble, that you couldn't get on the 3DS virtual console. However the high import costs make the Analogue pocket too hard to justify. But now Kirby's Tilt and tumble is coming to NSO so here's hoping for Monster Max as well...
I want the Switch to Trade/Battle with Pokemon Red Blue Yellow Gold Silver Crystal like the 3DS but only on Nintendo Switch consoles! Let's make it happen!!!
Dragon Quest Monsters was released on the Japanese estore anyway. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/09/square_enix_is_releasing_a_game_boy_color_dragon_quest_game_on_switch_eshop
I know it isn't a good game, but I'd love to see Terminator 2 on Switch Online.
Apart from the obvious of Pokemon, I'd also be incredibly interested in having RE Gaiden come over as well. It's a game that I genuinely couldn't see coming to modern platforms in any other way and with it being such a strange yet vital part of Resident Evil history, it'd be wonderful to have it on here (regardless of it's actual quality XD).
PSA: Though I think it's true that Donkey Kong on Game Boy probably kicked off the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, it should be noted that Donkey Kong doesn't play at all like those games. There are no mini-Marios to guide to the goal. It's a straight-up platform action game.
Also it's fantastic and the first game where Mario could use some of his now-iconic moves, like the side somersault.
@CharlieGirl but there already are Atlus and Konami games on NSO, and it is confirmed we're getting Kirby Tilt n' Tumble, which is a special cartridge game.
19 games. Should take about 22 years to add to the service.
NES and SNES online have already demonstrated that quality, or even fan demand, is not their priority when deciding games to release. having said that, I think they should prioritize games that are rare, expensive or hard to come by.
I had Metal Gear it was a lot of fun, it really did nail the Metal Gear experience in its own GB way.
I agree with Hamtaro Ham Hams Unite GBC, & Donkey Kong GB. I personally would love the to see either rugrats in Paris gbc or rugrats totally angelica gbc on the virtual console me & my cousin played the heck out of both~ ?♀️✌️
@Jbuggydroid It is the DX version, you just have to turn the color screen option on in settings. LA DX was was compatible with the OG gameboy despite bein a color title. That is why the game displays in B&W with the option turned off.
For the Frog the Bell Tolls (I don't like the official English title that doesn't respect the stylistic syntax of Hemingway's novel "For Whom the Bell Tolls") is not at all a "precursor to Link's Awakening": its gameplay is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, and even the atmosphere and progression are very different. This game is rather a precursor of DS's game "Freshy-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland".
Anyway, Donkey Kong 94 is one of the best Game Boy games, so it definitely deserves to be available in NSO... but with the Super Game Boy feature, of course.
Wario Land, Wario Land II, Kirby's Dream Land 2, Zelda Oracles are excellent games too.
I don't expect to see any Squaresoft, Enix, Capcom or Konami games on that service: there are no NES or SNES games from those companies on NSO.
Like the N64 service, Nintendo will probably announce more games coming to each Game Boy service, so I will put down a few that haven’t been announced yet. I think Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, that random Kid Icarus game boy sequel, and of course, all the Pokémon games. I have all the other ones, except the game boy Pokémon’s. Gotta Want Them All!
I can play these on my R4 Card/ BittBoy: Pocket-Go so why should I pay for a weak NSO?
@DeePad I guess so, but I’m just happy I can play all these games on the switch period. They don’t look to shabby either, from what people like MVG are saying too. Yet again, my computer is kind of trash and I’m too lazy to emulate anything, so Nintendo does it for me! I pay them for their hard work, of course.
I played way too much pokemon pinball in my youth so I wouldn’t mind seeing that show up.
great list! I've played it would like to play pretty much all of these!
I want Super Mario Bros. Deluxe on the service We got the original, the All-Stars Remake, it's time for the GBC version
@Rudolf the Ghost n Goblins games are on the NES and SNES services, so there might be a chance
Some good stuff here among the games I know, and I'll have to look up a few. I've never been keen on the Metal Gear Solid titles in 3D. The GBC game is more my style, though it's still a bit overly verbose, a bad habit carried over from the main series. But it's good. I never had Wario Land, but I got to play it a lot in 1995 and loved it. I went back to it a year or so ago and had a great time again. One GB game not mentioned here that really surprised me with its quality was Bionic Commando, a rather extensive remake of the NES game. I think the GB version may be the better game. I prefer the visual style as well. Both versions are a good time. I would have loved having the GB version in my library back in the day.
Yes! Mega Man V. And IV. And III. And II. And I.
Of the games on this list, I've only played Super Mario Land, Donkey Kong, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (although, being from America, we call it the Sorcerer's Stone). The first two I played on the 3DS, and the last one was on the GBA, since it was backwards compatible with GB and GBC games. And technically, it was my brother's game. I couldn't tell you how many times I've beaten it.
I found Super Mario Land to be a little on the simple, but difficult, side. Donkey Kong was basically just that, but with some new levels, and bit more emphasis on strategy and puzzle-solving (something that the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series replicated years later). Harry Potter was okay, once you figured out how to play RPG games.
I'd be more willing to play Mario and Donkey Kong again, but I fell out of love with the Harry Potter franchise years ago, even before J.K. Rowling made her controversial statements regarding certain members of the LGBT+ community (so no one go thinking I'm refusing to play the Harry Potter games because of that; it has nothing to do with my decision to no longer play the games).
As it is, the only reason why I bought the Chamber of Secrets on the GameCube at a used games store almost 10 years ago was so I could unlock a secret area in the GBA version of Chamber of Secrets and get the final Famous Witches and Wizards Card. But other than that, I have no reason to play the games anymore.
This list has an great titles! Additionally, I'd like to see "Bionic Commando: Elite Forces", one of my favs.
@sketchturner survival kids! I never got to play this one, but I’ve played the spiritual successors lost in blue, which were decent. I’ve always wanted to play this one! It reminds me of playing harvest moon 2 on the GBC. That was the *****. Love your list.
I have most if not all of the GB/C games I want physically. But here are some suggestions: Kirby's Pinball Land Kirby's Dream Land 2 Donkey Kong Land 3 Chalvo 55 Revenge of the 'Gator Game & Watch Gallery Kwirk Amazing Tater Spud's Adventure Alleyway Perfect Dark Pac in Time Trip World Conker's Pocket Tales Mega Man Xtreme Mega Man Xtreme 2 Xtreme Sports And just for grins, the minigame that comes as part of the Bandai Pocket Sonar
I cannot believe Mole Mania wasn’t released with the first wave… it’s brimming with charm and character and is a quintessential “Gameboy game.” R-Type should also be considered for sure!
If you’re playing Kaeru no Tame ni Kane ga Naru without knowing what the dialogue is, and still enjoying it, then you’ll pee your pants once you actually play a translated version. I can’t speak to the fan translation, but the in original Japanese it was a pretty funny game and so full of personality because of that great dialogue.
Castlevania II should get on this list, but I doubt they will since you can (and should) get the Castlevania Anniversary Collection.
@DeePad "so why should I pay for a weak NSO?": Because it's a legal way to play those games?
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